Happy 2024! We’re starting off this year by taking a look at luxury surface trends for this year, from the expert team at Laminam. Porcelain surfaces, with a streamlined and slender thickness or profile, are definitely big news, becoming a popular and easily accessible choice not just for walls and floors, but for work tops and cabinet cladding as well.

DARK CONTRASTS IN NERO FROM THE CALCE SERIES

Claudio Corniola, R&D Director, Laminam, has identified eleven key luxury kitchen trends that will be evident over the coming year. The details were sourced from a report by Titze, analysing market trends from 2017 – 2030 throughout Europe. The first trend, is of course, porcelain work surfaces. ‘Previously, kitchen surfaces and cladding have been all about granite, quartz and marble. New innovations have meant that porcelain slabs are more design led, making it the material of choice for the kitchens of 2024. This report has predicted a sales increase of 46%, with porcelain being able to emulate the look of natural materials but without the associated maintenance and price tag’.

STRONG STYLE IN NERO GRECO FROM THE I NATURALI SERIES

The second trend predicted is a strong look, and it’s for all-black kitchens. We seen this look already, sitting alongside trends for pastels, naturals and bold dark shades. Corniola says ‘Dark kitchens look to be even more dramatic for 2024. Black work surfaces and splashbacks will be paired with other elements such as stained or painted cabinetry, as well as lighting for a wow-factor and opulence’. Beautifully shown here, featuring I Naturali in Nero Greco. Project by Mittelcucine.

CALM AND ELEGANT STYLE WITH DIAMOND CREAM

Sustainability and Sustainable Living is a trend, with homeowners and consumers considering sustainability and making the relevant choices as to what products they bring into their homes. Corniola says ‘When it comes to sustainable surface choices, porcelain is eco-friendly, and is a material with a low carbon footprint. – surfaces contain up to 60% recycled materials, 100% of the water used is fed back into it’s production, and 95% of its raw waste is recovered. Above, Diamond Cream from I Naturali series. Project by Joe Adsett Architects

PIETRA DI SAVOIA ANTRACITE CABINETRY, WITH FRESH GREENERY FOR WELLBEING

Wellbeing spaces are important, says Corniola. ‘Much like bathrooms, kitchens are set to become spaces for self-care and wellbeing. Healthy home cooking, spa-inspired products and biophilic designs transform the kitchen into a place of tranquility whilst cooking, dining and entertaining. One way to achieve this is to bring the outside inside, by the addition of plants and fresh herbs on display via a vertical indoor garden, an earthy colour palette, and using natural materials. Above, I Naturali Pietra di Savoia Antracite.

EXPOSED OPEN SHELVING, USING THE CALCE SERIES IN NERO

Freestanding storage and exposed shelving are part of the trend for less formal storage, with more open and freestanding shelving to display everyday items. Corniola says ‘To avoid a cluttered look in a multi-functional kitchen, easy storage is imperative and can be a single open floating shelf, or shelves incorporated into an island’. Above, Calce Nero in a project by dibiesse

WARM METALLIC ACCENTS, USING NOIR DESIR FROM THE NATURALI SERIES

For 2024, warm metallic tones will be on trend. ‘Whether incorporated within the tones of the veining in a work surfaces, via sinks and taps, lighting, cabinet handles or accessories, warm metallic accents bring a luxe look to even the plainest of kitchen designs’ says Corniola. Above Noir Desire from I Naturali, available in Natural, Bush Hammered and Polished finishes.

MIXING MARBLE, SUCH AS CRISTALLO GOLD, WITH OTHER TEXTURES AND LOOKS

Marble and marble-look surfaces are a timeless classic, and in 2024, designers will be mixing marble looks with other textures and colours, such as wood, cement, steel and glass for impactful looks, says Corniola. Marble effect surfaces, such as Cristallo Gold, Diamond Series from Laminam, will add eternal style to a design project.

ISLANDS WITH MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY AND BESPOKE STYLE

Corniola predicts that multi-functional islands will be more versatile than ever in 2024, even emulating the experience of a luxury restaurant at home. ‘The working triangle is no longer a necessity in kitchen design, and kitchen islands can efficiently incorporate areas for preparation, cooking, washing up and dining’ he says. Above, Pietra Piasentina in Taupefrom the In-Side series from Laminam.

EARTHY COLOURS ARE ON-TREND FOR 2024

As well as all-black kitchens, earthy colours are going to be on-trend for 2024, says Corniola. ‘Earthy hues, including anthracite, deep browns and nature-inspired greens will be on-trend, as we move away from lighter shades to rich, dark designs with plenty of visual depth. These colours will extend to all elements of the kitchen, from surfaces to cabinetry, walls and flooring’. Above, Porfido Marrone from In-Side by Laminam, in Natural and Flamed finishes.

CHUNKY SURFACES ARE COMING BACK

Slender surfaces will continue to be popular, but Corniola is looking at thicker surfaces making their presence felt for 2024. ‘Deliberately thick surfaces create a bold impact on a central island or work surface. The usual depth is 12mm, but 2024 will see more instances of 20mm designs in use, particularly striking when used on a waterfall island’. Above, Invisible White from I Naturali series, in Natural, Polished and Soft Touch finishes.

MATT AND SOFT FINISHES ARE APPEALING AND ON-TREND

The research shows that 2024 will see a move towards matt and soft finishes, rather than the shiny and glossy looks we’ve seen recently. ‘State of the art technology used in the surfacing industry means that these finishes are easily achieved, and alleviates the issues of fingerprints on well-used work surfaces and cabinets’ explains Corniola. Above, Nero Greco from I Naturali series, available in Natural, Bush Hammered and Polished finishes. The Natural finish is smooth and tactile, and distinctly uniform in appearance.